Missouri volleyball prepares with new leaders ahead of season opener
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 28, 2026, 1:00 PM
Last updated Aug 28, 2026

Missouri volleyball held an open practice on August 28, showcasing a competitive atmosphere as players vied for roles. Redshirt senior Kimani Johnson is stepping into a leadership position amid roster changes, including the loss of veterans Maya Sands and Janet deMarrais. Coach Dawn Sullivan commended the team's depth, noting significant contributions from newcomers, including international players Ceylin Kuyan and freshman Eva Smith. The Tigers are honing their rotations ahead of an upcoming invitational that will further define team roles as they prepare for the regular season.
- •Missouri held an open practice on August 28 to refine team dynamics.
- •Kimani Johnson emerges as a new leader for the Tigers.
- •Ceylin Kuyan and Eva Smith are expected to play significant roles.
- •Sullivan highlighted the team's depth as a potential advantage.
- •The upcoming invitational will help finalize player rotations.
- 1:00 PMYahoo Sports — The Fifth Set: New Voices, New Roles Define Mizzou Volleyball’s Final Tuneup
"New leaders, emerging depth and energy shape Missouri volleyball’s identity.
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